When Camera Film Was King & Instagram Wasn’t a Thing
Let’s rewind to a time when taking a photo actually required effort.
Yes, effort.
Back when you couldn’t just tap a screen and add a filter that makes your sandwich look like a Renaissance painting.
Enter camera film.
A roll of mystery, anticipation, and occasional heartbreak.
You’d load it into your camera (after a battle to get it seated just right), wind it up, and pray you didn’t accidentally expose it to light.
Spoiler… you probably would.
Film wasn’t just about taking pictures… it was about committing to them.
There was no “Let me take another one just in case” unless you were willing to burn through your precious roll.
Each click was a leap of faith… did you nail the shot, or was Aunt Linda blinking again?
Who knows?
You’d find out after the film was developed, which was like waiting for exam results but with fewer tears.
Sometimes.
But the best part?
The lack of instant gratification made it kind of thrilling.
Every roll was a tiny time capsule, holding moments you wouldn’t see until later… sometimes much later if you forgot the roll in your camera for six months.
The surprise element?
Chef’s kiss.
It could either make your day or make you want to swear off photography forever.
And don’t even get me started on the tangibility of it all.
No memory cards or clouds to worry about… just good old-fashioned rolls of 35mm film, ready to confuse any teenager born after 2005.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to wait days for something only to find out half of it is blurry nonsense, congratulations… you’re ready for the wonderful world of camera film.
And hey, if choosing camera film feels like ordering coffee at Starbucks (overwhelming and a little intimidating) I’ve made it easy…
Grab my free guide with my go-to 35mm film picks for day, night, and everything in between.
Different Types of Film
Ah, camera film… a world of choices that feels like walking into an ice cream shop with 47 flavors but without the risk of brain freeze.
First up, there’s color film, the extrovert of the bunch.
It’s here for the drama, the vibrance, and making your sunsets look like they belong on a motivational poster.
On the other end, we’ve got black and white film, for when you’re feeling artsy or want your photos to say, “Yes, I’ve thought about existentialism.”
It’s classic, it’s timeless, and it makes even your pet goldfish look profound.
Then there’s the sizing situation.
If you’ve got a standard 35mm camera, congrats—you’ve picked the Toyota Corolla of film formats: reliable, everywhere, and just fancy enough to get the job done.
But if you’re feeling extra fancy (or just want to burn through your wallet), there’s medium format film, aka 120 film.
These are for people who think bigger is always better and aren’t afraid to haul around a camera the size of a small appliance.
Not to mention the large format film folks… those brave souls who whip out their cameras like they’re building a birdhouse just to take one photo.
Respect.
And let’s not forget the funky, experimental films out there.
There’s slide film for those who love ultra-crisp colors and also enjoy the occasional stress of “Will I expose this entire roll by accident?”
Or specialty films with weird effects baked in—like those that make your photos look like they were developed in a neon rave.
The beauty of film lies in the variety.
Whether you’re a color fiend or a moody monochrome artist, there’s a film type that will whisper, “This one’s for you.”
Just don’t blame me when you suddenly need a second fridge just for film rolls.
Understanding Film Speed and ISO
Film speed and ISO are basically the quirks of your camera film’s personality.
ISO is that little number on the box—100, 400, 800—that decides how well your film can deal with light.
Low ISO films, like 100 or 200, are like the cool, laid-back friend who only thrives in bright sunlight.
Perfect for picnics, beach days, or pretending you’re in a vacation ad.
High ISO films, like 800 or 1600, are the hyper, stay-up-all-night types that can handle dimly lit parties, moody candlelight, or whatever shadowy nonsense you decide to shoot at 2 a.m.
The catch?
High ISO film might be the night owl of the bunch, but it also tends to get a little grainy.
Grain is basically the film version of noise, except instead of sounding like static, it looks like your photo got hit with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Some people love it.
Gritty, raw, “artistic.”
Others? Not so much.
Either way, grain is like the price of admission to low-light adventures.
Oh, and once you’ve picked your ISO, you’re locked in.
Unlike modern cameras where you can just fiddle with settings for every shot, with film, you’re committing.
So choose wisely.
Or, you know, just pick one and hope for the best… it’s kind of the film photographer’s way of life.
The Process of Developing Film
Developing film is where the real magic (and occasional heartbreak) happens.
It’s not just about dropping your roll off and waiting… it’s about embracing uncertainty.
You hand over your camera film to a lab or mail it off, knowing full well that what you’d get back could either be photographic gold or a series of shots where your thumb made an unexpected cameo.
Translation… every blurry mess-up has a literal price tag.
But for those who want to level up their commitment to film, there is the DIY route… home developing.
Sounds fun, right?
Until you’re in your bathroom-turned-darkroom, fumbling with a reel in complete darkness and silently panicking about whether you’ve just ruined your only roll from last summer.
The process involves a bizarre cocktail of chemicals and timing that’s like performing science experiments without supervision.
And then there’s the waiting.
If you think waiting for your Amazon delivery is bad, try waiting days… or weeks… for your photos, only to discover that half your roll was overexposed because you forgot to check your camera settings.
But hey, no pressure.
Developing film isn’t just a process… it’s a gamble.
But when you finally hold that stack of prints or those perfectly developed negatives in your hands?
It makes the chaos totally worth it… most of the time.
The Artistic Appeal of Film Photography
There’s something wildly satisfying about the imperfections of film photography.
It’s like that friend who never irons their clothes but somehow always looks cooler than everyone else.
Film has this ability to make photos feel alive… like they have a soul or a story to tell.
The colors, the grain, the slight unpredictability… it all adds up to images that don’t feel overly polished or sterile.
Even when you mess up, it’s somehow charming.
Accidentally overexposed a shot?
Congratulations, you’ve just created an avant-garde masterpiece.
And let’s talk about the dynamic range.
Film doesn’t try to slap a one-size-fits-all Instagram filter on your memories.
Instead, it embraces the shadows and highlights, making them work together like they’re co-starring in a gritty indie film.
There’s this depth to film photos that digital sometimes misses… it’s like comparing homemade pie to something frozen in a box.
Sure, both are pie, but only one feels like it was made with love and questionable amounts of butter.
Then there’s the suspense.
Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly check the back of your camera to see if your picture is trash, film forces you to wait.
And that waiting?
Weirdly addictive.
The anticipation of seeing how the shots turned out is half the fun.
Did you capture the perfect candid moment, or is it just a blurry mess of someone mid-sneeze?
Who knows?
Let’s not forget how tactile it all is.
Loading a roll of camera film, winding it, hearing that satisfying *click* of the shutter… it’s practically a ritual.
Film photography turns the act of taking pictures into an experience.
It makes you slow down, pay attention, and actually think about what you’re shooting.
That’s probably why it’s still a favorite for artists, romantics, and people who don’t trust the cloud.
Challenges & Rewards of Shooting with Film
Let’s talk about the quirks of shooting film, aka the art of embracing chaos.
First off, there’s the delightful reality check that comes with knowing you have a limited number of shots.
No, you cannot snap 47 pictures of your coffee from slightly different angles… you get one, maybe two, so make it count.
And let’s not even discuss the panic of realizing you forgot to wind the camera film properly or accidentally opened the back of the camera.
Rookie moves are not just common… they’re practically a rite of passage.
Oh, and light meters?
Those magical little devices are not always built into older cameras.
So you either have to guess your settings like a photography psychic or carry around a separate light meter like it’s 1962.
Not stressful at all, right?
Add to that the fact that you won’t know if your photos turned out for days (or weeks, depending on your developing game), and you’ve got yourself an adrenaline-packed adventure.
But, let’s be honest… this whole lack of control is also what makes film ridiculously rewarding.
There’s no instant preview, no deleting a shot because your nose looked weird.
Once you click the shutter, that moment is locked in.
And if it turns out great?
You feel like an artistic genius who probably deserves an exhibit at the Met.
Sure, you’ll mess up… probably a lot.
But even the mistakes feel oddly charming, like a blooper reel for your life.
And then there’s the bragging rights.
Because nothing says “cool and mysterious” quite like casually mentioning you shoot film while everyone else is stuck in the land of digital megapixels.
And in case you missed it (because let’s be real, sometimes we all read blogs like we’re skimming a cereal box) grab my free guide with my top camera film picks for day, night, and everything in between.
Your future self (and your photos) will thank you.
Tips for Beginners in Film Photography
So, have you decided to dive into film photography?
Bold move.
Welcome to a world where mistakes aren’t just possible… they’re basically guaranteed.
First things first… get yourself a film camera.
Don’t stress about snagging some rare, overpriced antique… a solid beginner 35mm camera, like an old Nikon or Canon Sure Shot Telemax, will do just fine.
Next up, let’s talk about camera film.
Stick with the basics to start.
Kodak Gold or Fujifilm Superia are like the PB&J of film… reliable, tasty, and hard to mess up.
Avoid fancy specialty films until you’ve figured out how to, you know, not ruin an entire roll.
Now, loading the film.
Sounds simple, right?
Take your time, follow the steps, and for the love of all things holy, don’t open the back of the camera after loading it.
Rookie mistake number one.
When shooting, don’t be that person who burns through an entire roll in five minutes.
Slow down.
Think about your shot.
Or don’t, and just wing it… it’s your life.
Either way, keep an eye on your settings.
Accidentally shooting an entire roll at the wrong shutter speed?
It happens to the best of us.
Oh, and light?
Kind of a big deal.
If your camera doesn’t have a built-in meter, you’ll need to either learn to eyeball it or download a light meter app.
Either way, prepare for some trial and error.
Lots of error.
But hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
Popular Brands & Films to Try
If you’re diving into the film photography rabbit hole, you’re going to need some solid camera film picks to get started.
First up: Kodak.
Ah, Kodak… the OG of camera film, and probably what your parents used to document your questionable childhood haircut.
Kodak Gold is a crowd favorite, with warm tones that make everything look like it belongs in a vintage family album.
For those feeling fancy, Kodak Portra is basically the prom queen of the film world, known for its dreamy skin tones and making everything look slightly more glamorous than real life.
On the other side of the aisle, we’ve got Fujifilm.
Fujifilm film is all about bold, punchy colors, like it’s trying to outshine your Instagram feed before you even think about filters.
Their Superia line is perfect for beginners, giving you vibrant greens and reds that’ll make your nature shots pop harder than your allergies in spring.
And then there’s Cinestill film.
If Kodak is the golden retriever of camera film and Fujifilm is the sassy cat, Cinestill is your artsy friend who wears all black and reads poetry in dimly lit cafes.
Originally designed for movie production, Cinestill gives your photos that cinematic vibe, complete with moody highlights and rich shadows.
It’s not for the faint of heart—or wallet—but oh boy, is it worth it when you nail the shot.
Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s always the treasure trove of experimental film brands lurking out there, offering funky effects like light leaks or wild color shifts.
Just be ready for a little trial and error because, let’s be real, some rolls are more “creative chaos” than “instant masterpiece.”
But hey, that’s part of the fun.
Preserving & Storing Your Camera Film
So, you’ve gone through the rollercoaster of shooting and developing your film, and now you’re left with the holy grail… your negatives and undeveloped rolls.
Treat them like they’re made of glass because, honestly, they kind of are… metaphorically speaking.
First rule of film storage: keep it cool and dry.
Your fridge isn’t just for leftovers… it’s actually a great spot for storing unused camera film.
Just maybe don’t put it next to the spaghetti sauce unless you’re into high-stakes game nights where you guess what’s in each container.
For negatives, skip the shoebox-under-the-bed strategy unless you enjoy surprise scratches and dust.
Get some archival sleeves… they’re not glamorous, but they’ll keep your negatives from looking like they’ve been used as coasters.
Also, fingerprints? A hard no.
If you’re handling negatives, either channel your inner jewel thief and use gloves or hold them by the edges like they’re a tiny piece of fine art.
And let’s talk humidity… film’s mortal enemy.
A damp basement might seem like a good hiding spot for your stash, but that’s basically inviting mold to ruin your masterpiece.
Same goes for direct sunlight.
Don’t turn your negatives into some sad science experiment.
Finally, label everything.
Seriously.
Unless you want to play “What Year Was This Taken?” every time you dig through your collection, slap a date and some quick notes on your rolls and envelopes.
Future you will thank you when they’re not squinting at a grainy beach photo trying to figure out if it’s 1998 or last summer.
